The Northern Sporades - Βόρειες Σποράδες is the proper name for what people usually merely call the Sporades, and consist of the scattered (hence: sporadic) remote and fertile islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros, Pelagos or Kira Panayia and the uninhabited Peristera, Skantzoura, Yioura, Piperi and Psathoura. In contrast, the less travelled Eastern Sporades refer to the sailing area that includes the islands of Lesbos, Limnos and Chios, which string along the Turkish coastline
The bigger islands in the Northern Sporades sustain small populations - mostly of craftsmen, farmers and fishermen - and the only proper towns double as ports: Skiathos town, Skopelos town, Patitiri on Alonissos and Linaria on Skyros
island Glossa (via Loutraki port) and on Alonissos island Steni Vala port are also well worth visiting, especially to look for good tavernas in the typically narrow winding streets. But also near the popular beaches on Skiathos and Skopelos you will find lots of tourists in the season, yet as a rule the tavernas and bars tend to be twice as expensive and half as good as in the traditional places
Indeed, five or six beaches on Skiathos and Skopelos are considered the best in the eastern Mediterranean and near the ports these beaches can be crowded, however if you have your own yacht there are an abundance of stunning bays to drop anchor where you will be all by yourself. If fact the Northern Sporades are as famous for the beautiful scenery and beaches as for the amount of secluded anchorages and wildlife, hence ideal for yacht charter holidays. For this sailing area the ultimate charter base is the marina in Skiathos port, which even seems to have its own airstrip planes landing will nearly touch your mast.
Information was taken from website: www.sailingissues.com
